The Spaminator

•The 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ truck engine will deliver an unbeatable combination of best-in-class towing of 11,300 pounds, payload of 3,060 pounds, torque of 420 lb.-ft. and the fuel economy of a V6
•The 3.5-liter EcoBoost truck engine delivers 365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm, with up to 90 percent of the peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm – all on regular fuel
•Ford’s award-winning EcoBoost engine technology highlights the most extensive engine makeover in Ford F-Series history.
•The F-150 EcoBoost engine features technology found in heavy-duty diesel truck engines, including twin turbochargers and direct fuel injection, and is uniquely designed to meet the stringent Ford truck durability tests
DALLAS, Sept. 20, 2010 – With its new 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, the 2011 Ford F-150 will deliver best-in-class towing capability and torque with outstanding fuel economy.

“Customers have embraced the EcoBoost solution of delivering the power they desire with the fuel economy they demand in a no-compromise package,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “From the start, we have pledged that this solution applies to any engine and any customer. The EcoBoost truck engine for the 2011 F-150 will deliver those attributes and has been specially tuned and tested to deliver the best-in-class towing and capability our truck customers demand.”

The key technology built into every EcoBoost engine, including turbocharging and direct fuel injection, is particularly relevant to customers of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost truck engine.

This combination of turbocharging and direct fuel injection delivers a wealth of low-end torque and maintains it across a broad rpm range, which is key in towing applications. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost truck engine delivers 420 lb.-ft. of torque and 365 horsepower to enable best-in-class towing of 11,300 pounds – more than enough to tow a fully loaded three-horse trailer or 30-foot boat, for example. Plus the EcoBoost truck engine does it all on regular fuel and with outstanding fuel economy.

“Truck customers should think of the EcoBoost truck engine as a gas-powered engine with diesel-type capability and characteristics,” said Jim Mazuchowski, V6 engines program manager. “The twin turbochargers and direct injection give it the broad, flat torque curve that makes towing with a diesel so effortless – and hard acceleration so much fun.”

Up to 90 percent of the EcoBoost truck engine’s peak torque is available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm. A typical comparable V8 competitor reaches peak torque at higher engine speeds – around 4,000 rpm – and holds it for a much smaller range.

“This is good news for customers because the combination of reaching peak torque at a lower engine speed, and maintaining that torque for a longer period, brings new levels of fuel efficiency with maximum towing capability other competitors can’t match,” said Mazuchowski.

This EcoBoost truck engine also features twin independent variable camshaft timing, or Ti-VCT, to help save fuel. Ti-VCT provides extremely precise variable – yet independent – control of timing for intake and exhaust valves. Ti-VCT also reduces emissions, especially in situations when the throttle is partially open.

Independent adjustment of intake and exhaust valve timing allows maximum fuel economy at part-throttle, while delivering optimized power in full-throttle situations. An added benefit is improved driveability and responsiveness across the torque curve.

An all-new engine
Every Ford truck engine undergoes a tortuous testing program, and the EcoBoost truck engine was no exception.

“We’re testing this EcoBoost truck engine just as we would all of our other F-150 truck engines – we have exactly the same expectations and it has to pass all our truck durability and reliability tests,” said Kris Norman, powertrain operations manager. “From our standpoint, this is an all-new engine specifically designed and engineered for the F-150. Everything is validated to the higher stress levels and higher customer usage levels found in any F-150 engine.”

Three avenues that test and validate engines are computer analysis, laboratory testing and in-vehicle validation. For the 3.5-liter EcoBoost application in the 2011 F-150, that includes:

•More than 1.5 million hours of analytical time
•More than 13,000 hours of dynamometer testing, including more than 5,000 hours at full boost and more than 2,500 hours at or above 5,000 rpm; the dyno testing helps ensure durability in excess of 150,000 miles
•More than 100,000 hours of vehicle test time encompassing the full range of potential customer operating conditions
All the tests together replicate more than 1.6 million miles of customer usage – the harshest-use customer. A customer profile reflecting extreme-use driving style, road types and vehicle usage, including maximum towing and payload situations, was developed to underpin the testing program.

The computer modeling and system analysis especially have been key.

“Instead of constantly building and testing parts, we want to be smarter and use our computer skills and our ability to model things to do the upfront work,” Norman said. “We want to get everything right at the start, then validate with extensive testing.”

Turning up the heat
Engineers put the 3.5-liter EcoBoost truck engine on an extreme, accelerated pace. The thermal cycling test, for example, replicated conditions from the Arctic Circle to Death Valley to simulate 10 years of use in the harshest environments.

“On a thermal cycling test, for example, we want the engine to get hot as fast as possible, so the best way to do that is to go full boost at high speed,” Norman said. “To test the structure of the engine, we run it at full boost with maximum load. We run thousands of hours at full boost – conditions not attainable in a real-drive situation but important for proving this F-150 is ready to go the distance.”

•The most extensive powertrain overhaul in the 62-year history of Ford F-Series highlights the 2011 Ford F-150. The engine lineup includes four new truck engines: a 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter and 6.2-liter V8s and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost™
•Each engine is mated to a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission. Ford is the first and only automaker to equip its entire full-size pickup lineup with fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmissions as standard equipment
•Each engine delivers best-in-class towing and horsepower. The 2011 F-150 is projected to be up to 20 percent more fuel efficient than the 2010 F-150
•Class-exclusive electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), which improves steering feel and fuel economy, is now included on F-150
•2011 Ford F-150 boasts new feature vehicles, including the Lariat Limited and the XLT Custom

“For the past 33 years, the Ford F-150 has stood alone as the truck people really rely on,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “The class-leading capability of the F-150, combined with the durability that defines ‘Built Ford Tough,’ has made it the No. 1 choice of full-size pickup buyers. Now for 2011, that class-leading towing and payload capability is enhanced even further with engines that deliver projected class-leading fuel economy, allowing our customers to be more productive by maximizing their workload and their fuel economy.”

Including the 3.5-liter EcoBoost, which will be available in early 2011, a total of four new powertrains are available in the 2011 F-150. Each new engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Ford is the first and only manufacturer to equip its entire full-size pickup truck lineup with fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmissions as standard

Another fuel saver is the addition of class-exclusive electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) to the 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost powertrains. The EPAS system replaces a conventional hydraulic system, which runs continuously off the engine, with a system that draws power only when needed. Additionally, EPAS enables several other driver convenience technologies and provides better steering feel. Ford is the first manufacturer to widely offer EPAS on full-size pickup trucks.

“The 2011 Ford F-150 lineup offers our customers the widest array of powertrain solutions,” said Bob Fascetti, director of large gas and diesel engine engineering. “From the entry-level to the high-end customer, each 2011 F-150 will deliver projected best-in-class capability, power and fuel economy along with features and conveniences our competition can’t match.”

A look at the new engine lineup
The three new truck engines available at launch are the 3.7-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8, each with fuel-saving and performance-enhancing twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) technology, and a version of the 6.2-liter V8 that is the base engine in the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty. Here are the highlights of each new engine:

•365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel
•Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm vs. premium V8 competitors
•Up to 90 percent of peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm
•Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors
•Best-in-class 3,060 pounds payload vs. all competitors
Six-speed automatic transmission now standard with SelectShift available
SelectShift functionality is available in the six-speed automatic transmission. SelectShift allows customers to select the desired gear. The transmission also features progressive range select, which allows the customer to lock out the available gears while in Drive.

Also enabled is tow/haul mode, which provides better control when hauling a heavy load or towing a trailer, especially when descending grades. The improved system uses an array of sophisticated electronic sensors to better predict the driver’s need for a downshift to provide engine braking and enhanced control.

A more nimble F-150
Along with improved fuel economy, another key benefit of EPAS is that the steering gear can be more precisely tuned for optimum feel for on-road and parking efforts. The tuning is software-based, so the steering can be programmed and essentially customized to each model based on wheelbase, powertrain and other factors.

“The addition of EPAS is a huge step forward for the F-150,” said Eric Kuehn, chief engineer of the 2011 Ford F-150. “It allows for lighter parking lot efforts but will retain that on-road feel and steering precision truck customers expect.”

Increased content, increased choices throughout the F-150 lineup
The wide range of powertrain options is complemented by the greater variety of offerings in the 2011 F-150 as well as the expanded content. A 4.2-inch LCD message center and larger
in-mirror rear view camera screen are among the new customer conveniences available.

New clusters include the available 4.2-inch LCD message center screen’s menu options display, which includes information related to fuel economy, towing performance and off-roading. The menu is navigated through a five-way button on the steering wheel. The screen in the rearview mirror for the rear view camera option not only is larger (increased from 2.5 inches to 3.5 inches), it has higher resolution than the outgoing version. Further, customers can zoom in or out, which is particularly helpful during towing hookup and other towing operations.

Other new standard and available content includes a three-point safety belt and head restraint for the middle passenger in the front seat, express up and down front windows, 110-volt outlet, Remote Start, telescoping steering wheel, HD Radio™ and perimeter alarm.

Popular SYNC and Ford Work Solutions available
Two technology stalwarts of Ford trucks are available again for 2011 – SYNC® and Ford Work Solutions™.

Ford Work Solutions features an in-dash computer that provides full high-speed Internet and wireless accessories that include a mouse and printer; Tool Link™, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system that enables customers to maintain a real-time inventory of tools or equipment stored in the vehicle; Crew Chief™, a fleet telematics and diagnostics system; and Cable Lock System to secure large tools or equipment in the cargo area.

Safety enhancements
New for the 2011 Ford F-150 are a seat-integrated shoulder belt for the front middle seat, a head restraint for the second-row middle seat and integrated spotter mirrors. These additions join numerous standard safety features, including an advanced safety cage with high-strength steel and six standard airbags.

More choice
The basic trim levels – XL, STX, XLT, FX2/FX4 and Lariat – are again offered in addition to King Ranch®, Platinum, SVT Raptor and Harley-Davidson F-150. Joining the XLT lineup is the new XLT Custom package tailored for customers who opt for the 3.7-liter V6. Available in all cabs in two-wheel-drive configuration, the XLT Custom exterior includes 18-inch machined aluminum wheels, chrome exhaust tip, body-color 4-inch running boards, body-color front and rear bumper fascias, unique grille with body-color surround and chrome billet insert.

The 2011 F-150 FX2 and FX4 are now more unified, with FX2 customers able to share the sporty yet rugged off-road look originally pioneered by the FX4. The FX2 and FX4 share common grilles, 18-inch wheels (20-inch wheels optional), body-color power mirrors, body and tailgate handles, black surround headlamps and taillamps. The trucks are differentiated by unique badging on the box and front fenders.

Both the XLT and Lariat have added off-road packages, including electronic locking rear differential, skid plates and off-road-tuned front and rear shock absorbers.

Lariat Limited returns
Returning to the F-150 lineup for 2011 is the popular Lariat Limited, which debuted in 2008. This premium offering, limited to 3,500 units in the U.S., is powered by the 6.2-liter V8 rated at 411 horsepower.

“The 2011 Ford F-150 has all the best-in-class towing and payload capability and durability our tough truck customers demand and now takes a giant leap forward in fuel economy, performance and technology,” said Kuehn.

The 2011 Ford F-150 will be available in late 2010.

For more information
For additional information, please click here for the 2011 Ford F-150 mini-site.

Registered

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ truck engine will deliver an unbeatable combination of best-in-class towing of 11,300 pounds, payload of 3,060 pounds, torque of 420 lb.-ft. and the fuel economy of a V6
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost truck engine delivers 365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm, with up to 90 percent of the peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm – all on regular fuel
Ford’s award-winning EcoBoost engine technology highlights the most extensive engine makeover in Ford F-Series history.
The F-150 EcoBoost engine features technology found in heavy-duty diesel truck engines, including twin turbochargers and direct fuel injection, and is uniquely designed to meet the stringent Ford truck durability tests

“Customers have embraced the EcoBoost solution of delivering the power they desire with the fuel economy they demand in a no-compromise package,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “From the start, we have pledged that this solution applies to any engine and any customer. The EcoBoost truck engine for the 2011 F-150 will deliver those attributes and has been specially tuned and tested to deliver the best-in-class towing and capability our truck customers demand.”

The key technology built into every EcoBoost engine, including turbocharging and direct fuel injection, is particularly relevant to customers of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost truck engine.

This combination of turbocharging and direct fuel injection delivers a wealth of low-end torque and maintains it across a broad rpm range, which is key in towing applications. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost truck engine delivers 420 lb.-ft. of torque and 365 horsepower to enable best-in-class towing of 11,300 pounds – more than enough to tow a fully loaded three-horse trailer or 30-foot boat, for example. Plus the EcoBoost truck engine does it all on regular fuel and with outstanding fuel economy.

“Truck customers should think of the EcoBoost truck engine as a gas-powered engine with diesel-type capability and characteristics,” said Jim Mazuchowski, V6 engines program manager. “The twin turbochargers and direct injection give it the broad, flat torque curve that makes towing with a diesel so effortless – and hard acceleration so much fun.”

Up to 90 percent of the EcoBoost truck engine’s peak torque is available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm. A typical comparable V8 competitor reaches peak torque at higher engine speeds – around 4,000 rpm – and holds it for a much smaller range.

“This is good news for customers because the combination of reaching peak torque at a lower engine speed, and maintaining that torque for a longer period, brings new levels of fuel efficiency with maximum towing capability other competitors can’t match,” said Mazuchowski.

This EcoBoost truck engine also features twin independent variable camshaft timing, or Ti-VCT, to help save fuel. Ti-VCT provides extremely precise variable – yet independent – control of timing for intake and exhaust valves. Ti-VCT also reduces emissions, especially in situations when the throttle is partially open.

Independent adjustment of intake and exhaust valve timing allows maximum fuel economy at part-throttle, while delivering optimized power in full-throttle situations. An added benefit is improved driveability and responsiveness across the torque curve.

An all-new engine
Every Ford truck engine undergoes a tortuous testing program, and the EcoBoost truck engine was no exception.

“We’re testing this EcoBoost truck engine just as we would all of our other F-150 truck engines – we have exactly the same expectations and it has to pass all our truck durability and reliability tests,” said Kris Norman, powertrain operations manager. “From our standpoint, this is an all-new engine specifically designed and engineered for the F-150. Everything is validated to the higher stress levels and higher customer usage levels found in any F-150 engine.”

Three avenues that test and validate engines are computer analysis, laboratory testing and in-vehicle validation. For the 3.5-liter EcoBoost application in the 2011 F-150, that includes:

More than 1.5 million hours of analytical time
More than 13,000 hours of dynamometer testing, including more than 5,000 hours at full boost and more than 2,500 hours at or above 5,000 rpm; the dyno testing helps ensure durability in excess of 150,000 miles
More than 100,000 hours of vehicle test time encompassing the full range of potential customer operating conditions

All the tests together replicate more than 1.6 million miles of customer usage – the harshest-use customer. A customer profile reflecting extreme-use driving style, road types and vehicle usage, including maximum towing and payload situations, was developed to underpin the testing program.

The computer modeling and system analysis especially have been key.

“Instead of constantly building and testing parts, we want to be smarter and use our computer skills and our ability to model things to do the upfront work,” Norman said. “We want to get everything right at the start, then validate with extensive testing.”

Turning up the heat
Engineers put the 3.5-liter EcoBoost truck engine on an extreme, accelerated pace. The thermal cycling test, for example, replicated conditions from the Arctic Circle to Death Valley to simulate 10 years of use in the harshest environments.

“On a thermal cycling test, for example, we want the engine to get hot as fast as possible, so the best way to do that is to go full boost at high speed,” Norman said. “To test the structure of the engine, we run it at full boost with maximum load. We run thousands of hours at full boost – conditions not attainable in a real-drive situation but important for proving this F-150 is ready to go the distance.”

Registered

You want to read some funny comments?? Head over to the motortrend forum, on this subject. According to some there, Ford forgot to durability test this engine in hot locations, so it will implode while towing, in the heat and mountains.

Hidden in the fine print of a poster at Ford’s introduction of the 2011 F-150 is a revelation that its 3.7-liter V-6 is expected to get an EPA rating of 23 mpg on the highway in the two-wheel-drive model.

Ford’s all-new Duratec 3.7-liter V-6 is the new base engine for the F-150. It’s rated at 302 horsepower and 278 pounds-feet of torque on regular unleaded fuel, though it will also burn E85 ethanol. It debuted earlier this year in the 2011 Ford Mustang, where it’s rated at 305 hp and 280 pounds-feet of torque. It’s also shared with the Ford Edge crossover.

•A 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost™ engine will take on the demanding Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 long-distance desert endurance race later this year, marking Ford’s EcoBoost engine racing debut. Ford trucks have won more Baja 1000 titles (13) than any other four-wheel manufacturer
•Ford will equip the F-150 off-road race truck with the same stock EcoBoost engine that already has experienced 150,000 equivalent miles of dyno testing and other real-world tests as the final step in the durability torture tests
•The EcoBoost truck engine is tested to the equivalent of more than 1.6 million total miles of harsh customer use in the lab, in test cells and on the road
•The new F-150 EcoBoost has 420 lb.-ft. of torque – more than any competitive half-ton truck – and provides an unequaled combination of capability and fuel economy
•Racing the EcoBoost truck engine under these conditions, which include temperature swings from just above freezing to well above 100 degrees, harsh terrain and at least 30 hours driving the course, helps validate the testing of the new truck engine
Dallas, Sept. 23, 2010 – The 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost stands ready to challenge and conquer the harsh environment that makes the world-famous Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 an unparalleled test of man and machine – and the world racing debut for Ford’s EcoBoost engine.

Ford will enter a 2011 F-150 in November’s prestigious long-distance desert endurance race, powered by a stock version of the new 3.5-liter EcoBoost truck engine that will be available in the 2011 F-150 early next year.
The engine was selected randomly off the line from Cleveland Engine Plant to prove out the rigid durability and reliability tests the engine endured during development. The Baja 1000 race is part of an extensive torture test program by Ford for customers to see for themselves the extreme durability testing and development of the class-leading EcoBoost truck engine.

Viewers can visit fordvehicles.com/2011F150 to get an exclusive look at how first an EcoBoost truck engine endured thousands of miles on the dynamometer and in the laboratory to ensure 150,000-mile durability for even the most demanding F-150 customer before taking on real-world challenges.

On the same site will be a series of web-based documentaries hosted and narrated by Mike Rowe of the popular Discovery Channel series Dirty Jobs. These documentaries will show the toughest challenges the 2011 F-150 EcoBoost faces in the real world, including:

Hauling timber

•The 2011 F-150 EcoBoost joins a lumber company in Oregon, working as a log skidder to show off its best-in-class hauling and 420 ft-lbs of torque. This severe duty involves dragging logs weighing thousands of pounds up steep grades. The 2011 F-150 EcoBoost replaces larger, heavy-duty machinery to perform the task.
24 hours of NASCAR

•Following its work in the Pacific Northwest, the same 2011 F-150 EcoBoost heads to Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida to demonstrate its best-in-class towing capability of 11,300 pounds. The truck will tow a pair of Sprint Cup Ford Fusions for 24 hours around the 1.5-mile oval. Befitting the track, site of the NASCAR Sprint Cup season finale, the fully stock 2011 F-150 EcoBoost will run at full throttle, reaching speeds in excess of 90 mph on the straights, stopping only for tires and more 87 octane fuel.
Teardown

•After all the pulling, towing, desert racing and much more, viewers will get an inside look at the durability of the EcoBoost when Ford engineers tear it down to evaluate the extensive testing program.
“The engine going into our race truck for the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 is the same engine going into the 2011 Ford F-150 that customers can purchase starting next year,” said Eric Kuehn, chief engineer of the 2011 F-150. “No special blocks or structural upgrades. We are fully confident that because of the strict testing the 3.5-liter EcoBoost truck engines underwent before we started manufacturing, it will take anything the desert can dish out.”

Ford will compete in full-size stock class, which includes competitors with unlimited V8 engines. For safety, a full roll cage is added to each truck. Also allowed for competition are modifications to the suspension, tires and wheels.

Built Ford Tough testing
Durability and reliability are key in this type of racing environment. Temperatures can range from just above freezing at night to nearly 120 degrees during the day and the yet-to-be-announced race course may go from just above sea level to more than 8,500 feet above and back down again.

Three avenues that test and validate all truck engines are computer analysis, laboratory work and in-vehicle exercises. All the tests together replicate more than 1.6 million miles of customer usage – the harshest-use customer. A customer profile reflecting extreme-use driving style, road types and vehicle usage, including maximum towing and payload situations, was developed to underpin the testing program.

For the 2011 F-150 EcoBoost, that includes analytical time, dynamometer testing at full boost, in-vehicle test time, thermal test cycles ranging from 20 degrees Fahrenheit to 235 degrees Fahrenheit, fatigue testing with engine running nonstop between peak horsepower and peak torque and road tests.

In addition to being durable and reliable, race engines have to perform. Desert endurance racing’s extreme environment is where the 3.5-liter EcoBoost truck engine’s inherent performance advantages – twin turbochargers and direct fuel injection to boost performance – will shine. This strategy produces 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm and 365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm – all on regular fuel. The EcoBoost truck engine has up to 90 percent of its peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm.

“The torque starts right away and is very consistent right up to the engine’s redline. That performance is so key to the duty cycle of an off-road racer,” said Cliff Irey, Ford truck motorsports lead.

Off-road racers – like many F-150 customers – spend most of their time between 20 mph and 50 mph, accelerating and decelerating. Another similarity is the F-150s in the Baja 1000 will be fueled with regular pump gasoline rather than specially blended racing fuel that is almost four times as expensive.

“In addition to durability, reliability and top performance, we expect the EcoBoost to get outstanding fuel mileage to the point of saving one or two fuel stops during the race,” Irey said.

Pushing production engines to the limit in this harsh environment is nothing new for Ford. The new 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine standard in the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty, 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor and the 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 helped a Raptor R earn a podium finish in the 2008 Baja 1000.

It’s part of a Ford heritage that includes more Baja 1000 and Best in the Desert titles than any four-wheel manufacturer. Earlier this year, Ford swept the top eight places in Class 1400 – “Trick Truck” class of the Best in the Desert’s Las Vegas to Reno event.

“The desert racing environment has been a tremendous laboratory for Ford over the years,” said Kuehn. “We’re eager to watch the 3.5-liter EcoBoost truck engine prove its durability, reliability, performance and fuel economy in this tough setting.”

Registered

You want to read some funny comments?? Head over to the motortrend forum, on this subject. According to some there, Ford forgot to durability test this engine in hot locations, so it will implode while towing, in the heat and mountains.

Maybe by the NASCAR-watchin', Chevy-lovin', Bud Light-drinkin', overhead cam-hatin' Bubbas that want to see this engine do a giant faceplant. The impression I got talking to some of the engineers first-hand is that they tested the snot out of this engine.

Registered

I could not wait however, and I wanted to throw some of the media comments out there.
In addition, the fuel economy for the boosted V6 was as high as 32.5mpg and as low as 21.5mpg. Averaged out, that is about 27. Nothing official yet, but 25mpg highway certainly is believeable.

From the media tests:

Don Sherman, Automobile magazine: “A lot of people had their doubts about EcoBoost when you first started talking about it. But you've erased a lot of that doubt since. With this truck, you've erased all doubt.”

Mike Levine, Pickuptrucks.com: “The 3.7 is the hot ticket. It is going to sell more than you think it will …The EcoBoost had the best performance, best steering and best everything.”

Jim Frank, MotorWeek: “I love an engine that doesn't feel like it is working too hard...and the EcoBoost is just that. Effortless. You don’t have to even worry about acceleration in the 3.5-(liter). I had it in manual mode and it felt like I was driving a sports car – literally!”

Chris Sawyer, Carsincontext.com (on the 3.5-liter): “It's the little engine that could. I could write a children's book on your EcoBoost.”

Greg Whale, NewCarTestDrive.com: “The 3.7 is a very rev-happy motor. The performance is terrific. What an excellent transmission. You don't even notice the shifts … The F-150 is the most confident in towing among all the vehicles we tested today.”

Stuart Bourdon, Trailer Boats magazine: “In the EcoBoost truck, the power comes on so smoothly. And you don't even feel the transmission shift … The 3.7 is very surprising. It's quick and really peppy. The 3.5 liter hauls a**. The F-150's interior is excellent and the seats are the best of the trucks here. When I sat down in the Chevy Silverado and looked at that dash, I thought, "Wow! It's 1980 again.' ”

Pete Erikson, Drivers Talk Radio: “There is no longer any base truck or any base engine. All the engines are extremely capable. I think the 3.7 offers the best blend of performance and value. I was really surprised at how strong it is. In my view, it's no longer about the number of cylinders. It is about capability. Now, the F-150 has an engine for everybody.”

David Goodspeed, AutoWorld: “With the EcoBoost engine, there's power wherever you want it. We pulled trailers over some hills and steep inclines, and the EcoBoost was right there. Still, I think it may take some time to convince people it's time to give up their V8s.”

Dan Edmunds, Edmunds.com: “The EcoBoost engine offers great trailering performance and leaves nothing lacking. The EPAS system is very well balanced. I hear a little cabin moan, but it is nothing objectionable.”

Bruce Smith, ProPickup Magazine: “The EcoBoost truck towing a trailer is as steady as if it is on rails. It pulled effortlessly on grades. The transmission didn’t have any need to go to a lower gear to hold the grade. The suspension has tight control on yaw and pitch. But cruising at about 2,000 (rpm), I noticed, a slight booming moan. In contrast, the Silverado has a very nervous ride. The Silverado steering wheel motion will wear you out over a long drive, and the vehicle felt like it was skating all over the road.”

Javier Fueyo, Editorial Televisa: “Towing a trailer with the F-150 EcoBoost is as easy as driving a big sedan. It felt no different with the trailer back there … Toyota's interior is filled with cheap materials. And there's big difference in engine noise.”

Dan Carney, MSNBC.com: “The EcoBoost delivers. You proved that today. The challenge will be how you market the engine to people who only know V8s.”

Mike Allen, Popular Mechanics: “The EcoBoost powertrain is smooth and quiet. The transmission operates seamlessly in the background. You don't notice it.”

Gina Woods, Open Road Radio: “The 3.7 smokes the Silverado's V6 and V8. I really like the trailer naming feature. This will be a very useful tool for people who tow often.”

Edward Sanchez, Truckin' magazine: “I tested all four of the new engines. This is best truck lineup in the business by far. You've sent everyone back to the drawing board. The 3.5 is the easy answer of what is my favorite engine. The 3.7 is peaky and has some nice zip to it. But the 5.0 is sweet, solid and it is going to do very well. It's what truckers want.”

Jim Kircher, Government Engineering Journal: “Right out of the chute, the 3.5 responsive, firm and secure.”

Jeremy Korzeniewski, AutoBlog: “The 3.5 liter has plenty of power. No one will be hurting for power in this truck. Power is definitely not lacking in this truck. The FX4 feels superior in every way to the GM truck. GM feels like weak sauce.”

Mike Sutton, Car & Driver: “The EcoBoost has strong acceleration. It is smooth and seamless. This is really quiet, a very impressive standout and noticeably more refined than other trucks. There is going to be a real opportunity with EcoBoost to customize the exhaust and performance. With the six-speed transmission, the MPG is very impressive. I found the 4.2-inch LCD screen very useful. Not only is it packed with information, but it is more intuitive than GM's.”

Marty Padgett, High Gear Media: “You guys did an outstanding job with EPAS. This is one of the best applications, and it is better than many of the cars I have driven. Of the new engines, EcoBoost would be the one I would buy. Performance is exceptionally strong. Acceleration onto the highway was a surprise. If I could get a consistent 22 mpg from it I would be very happy.”

Al Vinikour, Freelance: “Compared with the F-150, the Chevy trailer tow is very unstable and difficult to maintain in the lane. The trailer chucks forward and backwards on the Chevy. There's plenty of power in reserve in the EcoBoost for passing on the highway.”

Kurt Lawton, Progressive Farmer: “The 3.5-liter EcoBoost is really a solid engine. It has effortless power. I think there is an application for my readers who are primarily grain farmers. It is going to take some mindset changing. But I think it is doable. They have to get this 'Must have a V8' thing out of their heads." On the 3.5-liter: "This is a performance motor that is fun to drive. The Eco part is just a bonus. This is too fun.”

Brandon Gillogly, Truckin' Magazine: “The 3.7 is energetic at the top end. Dealers should have customers tip in to differentiate from Chevy. I can not hear the turbos, but is that a good thing or a bad? The 3.5 delivers power really well.”

Bob Cox, Fort Worth Star-Telegram: “The 3.7 is louder than the Chevy (V6 that I own), but it is more powerful. The 3.5, once you drive it, is great.”

Registered

I could not wait however, and I wanted to throw some of the media comments out there.
In addition, the fuel economy for the boosted V6 was as high as 32.5mpg and as low as 21.5mpg. Averaged out, that is about 27. Nothing official yet, but 25mpg highway certainly is believeable.

From the media tests:

Don Sherman, Automobile magazine: “A lot of people had their doubts about EcoBoost when you first started talking about it. But you've erased a lot of that doubt since. With this truck, you've erased all doubt.”

Mike Levine, Pickuptrucks.com: “The 3.7 is the hot ticket. It is going to sell more than you think it will …The EcoBoost had the best performance, best steering and best everything.”

Jim Frank, MotorWeek: “I love an engine that doesn't feel like it is working too hard...and the EcoBoost is just that. Effortless. You don’t have to even worry about acceleration in the 3.5-(liter). I had it in manual mode and it felt like I was driving a sports car – literally!”

Chris Sawyer, Carsincontext.com (on the 3.5-liter): “It's the little engine that could. I could write a children's book on your EcoBoost.”

Greg Whale, NewCarTestDrive.com: “The 3.7 is a very rev-happy motor. The performance is terrific. What an excellent transmission. You don't even notice the shifts … The F-150 is the most confident in towing among all the vehicles we tested today.”

Stuart Bourdon, Trailer Boats magazine: “In the EcoBoost truck, the power comes on so smoothly. And you don't even feel the transmission shift … The 3.7 is very surprising. It's quick and really peppy. The 3.5 liter hauls a**. The F-150's interior is excellent and the seats are the best of the trucks here. When I sat down in the Chevy Silverado and looked at that dash, I thought, "Wow! It's 1980 again.' ”

Pete Erikson, Drivers Talk Radio: “There is no longer any base truck or any base engine. All the engines are extremely capable. I think the 3.7 offers the best blend of performance and value. I was really surprised at how strong it is. In my view, it's no longer about the number of cylinders. It is about capability. Now, the F-150 has an engine for everybody.”

David Goodspeed, AutoWorld: “With the EcoBoost engine, there's power wherever you want it. We pulled trailers over some hills and steep inclines, and the EcoBoost was right there. Still, I think it may take some time to convince people it's time to give up their V8s.”

Dan Edmunds, Edmunds.com: “The EcoBoost engine offers great trailering performance and leaves nothing lacking. The EPAS system is very well balanced. I hear a little cabin moan, but it is nothing objectionable.”

Bruce Smith, ProPickup Magazine: “The EcoBoost truck towing a trailer is as steady as if it is on rails. It pulled effortlessly on grades. The transmission didn’t have any need to go to a lower gear to hold the grade. The suspension has tight control on yaw and pitch. But cruising at about 2,000 (rpm), I noticed, a slight booming moan. In contrast, the Silverado has a very nervous ride. The Silverado steering wheel motion will wear you out over a long drive, and the vehicle felt like it was skating all over the road.”

Javier Fueyo, Editorial Televisa: “Towing a trailer with the F-150 EcoBoost is as easy as driving a big sedan. It felt no different with the trailer back there … Toyota's interior is filled with cheap materials. And there's big difference in engine noise.”

Dan Carney, MSNBC.com: “The EcoBoost delivers. You proved that today. The challenge will be how you market the engine to people who only know V8s.”

Mike Allen, Popular Mechanics: “The EcoBoost powertrain is smooth and quiet. The transmission operates seamlessly in the background. You don't notice it.”

Gina Woods, Open Road Radio: “The 3.7 smokes the Silverado's V6 and V8. I really like the trailer naming feature. This will be a very useful tool for people who tow often.”

Edward Sanchez, Truckin' magazine: “I tested all four of the new engines. This is best truck lineup in the business by far. You've sent everyone back to the drawing board. The 3.5 is the easy answer of what is my favorite engine. The 3.7 is peaky and has some nice zip to it. But the 5.0 is sweet, solid and it is going to do very well. It's what truckers want.”

Jim Kircher, Government Engineering Journal: “Right out of the chute, the 3.5 responsive, firm and secure.”

Jeremy Korzeniewski, AutoBlog: “The 3.5 liter has plenty of power. No one will be hurting for power in this truck. Power is definitely not lacking in this truck. The FX4 feels superior in every way to the GM truck. GM feels like weak sauce.”

Mike Sutton, Car & Driver: “The EcoBoost has strong acceleration. It is smooth and seamless. This is really quiet, a very impressive standout and noticeably more refined than other trucks. There is going to be a real opportunity with EcoBoost to customize the exhaust and performance. With the six-speed transmission, the MPG is very impressive. I found the 4.2-inch LCD screen very useful. Not only is it packed with information, but it is more intuitive than GM's.”

Marty Padgett, High Gear Media: “You guys did an outstanding job with EPAS. This is one of the best applications, and it is better than many of the cars I have driven. Of the new engines, EcoBoost would be the one I would buy. Performance is exceptionally strong. Acceleration onto the highway was a surprise. If I could get a consistent 22 mpg from it I would be very happy.”

Al Vinikour, Freelance: “Compared with the F-150, the Chevy trailer tow is very unstable and difficult to maintain in the lane. The trailer chucks forward and backwards on the Chevy. There's plenty of power in reserve in the EcoBoost for passing on the highway.”

Kurt Lawton, Progressive Farmer: “The 3.5-liter EcoBoost is really a solid engine. It has effortless power. I think there is an application for my readers who are primarily grain farmers. It is going to take some mindset changing. But I think it is doable. They have to get this 'Must have a V8' thing out of their heads." On the 3.5-liter: "This is a performance motor that is fun to drive. The Eco part is just a bonus. This is too fun.”

Brandon Gillogly, Truckin' Magazine: “The 3.7 is energetic at the top end. Dealers should have customers tip in to differentiate from Chevy. I can not hear the turbos, but is that a good thing or a bad? The 3.5 delivers power really well.”

Bob Cox, Fort Worth Star-Telegram: “The 3.7 is louder than the Chevy (V6 that I own), but it is more powerful. The 3.5, once you drive it, is great.”

Registered

Edward Sanchez, Truckin' magazine: “I tested all four of the new engines. This is best truck lineup in the business by far. You've sent everyone back to the drawing board. The 3.5 is the easy answer of what is my favorite engine. The 3.7 is peaky and has some nice zip to it. But the 5.0 is sweet, solid and it is going to do very well. It's what truckers want.”

I am in fact, Edward Sanchez of Truckin' Magazine (technically, truckinweb.com). That's a slight paraphrase of what I said, but essentially correct. I have chosen to honor Ford's requested embargo of driving impressions until Monday. But I've already done a complete, detailed write-up on my impressions that will be running on the Truckin' Blog as well as the Automotive.com blog.

Beijing - April 25-May 4 Buick Enspire Concept SUV to Make Global Debut in China
Media.GM.com - 2018-04-08
Buick today announced that the Enspire, its new all-electric concept SUV, will make its global debut at Buick Brand Night on April 17 in Wuzhen, Zhejiang. It will also be on display to the...

kinda s'prised we don't already have a thread for this; do we?
&
starting off with mere possibility...
...tho that kinda goes with the uncertainty of the 2020 Lincoln Aviator debut or concept of it!? & 2020 US Focus debut??
socimage.com
CarSpyShots: 2018 Jaguar I-Pace
...glimpses of the...

Focus confirmed for Geneva.
http://www.carscoops.com/2017/12/first-official-look-on-brand-new-ford.html
Though they may show it to us? If not now, then in New York.
So what will they show here? Edge, Explorer? Will they surprise us with a large sedan? (Maybe the Taurus will become fully...

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